Is Mythology influencing economics?

      In my travels to Greece, Turkey and Italy I learned a small amount on the topic of mythology.  These past months in English class I have begun to realize how prevalent Greek mythology is in our modern day society. The gods and goddesses, thousands of years old, influence our everyday life and decisions. Despite their temples being weathered and falling into decay, how is it that their legacies live on?  Why do their names still bear connotation to powerful images?
      Many products, methods of transport and sports teams have names with origins in Greek mythology. The names of the gods and goddesses still hold power. Through time later cultures have learned to cherish Greek mythology.  The myths are widely known, subsequently we can associate a certain name with a negative or positive connotation.  

These are just a few of the many companies, products, transportation methods and sports teams with names derived from Greek mythology.

AEGIS - Aegis served as Zeus and Athena’s everlasting strong protective shield. Subsequently, when a Security and Risk Management company was born it was named Aegis. With such a bold and strong name consumers would be sure to instill their trust in the security organization. Aegis currently protects numerous governments worldwide as well as many important corporations.

AJAX – Ajax was once a great warrior in the battle of Troy, he dominated over the opposition and lead Greece to victory.  A common house hold cleaner, Ajax, has been named after this mythological hero. The name bears a positive connotation as consumers will associate the cleaner to be victorious and destroy the germs and bacteria plaguing our homes. Furthermore Ajax is a professional soccer team based in Amsterdam; opposition associates the name with skilled players who will dominate.

MARS – Mars is the roman name for Ares, the Greek god of war.  Ares was strong and never short of energy.  Mars candy bars, or energy bars, have been named for the mythological god of war.  The name of the product bears a positive connotation as Ares or Mars was a heroic god, this prompts consumers to purchase the product as it will make them feel god like.  

 MIDAS – In Greek mythology King Midas obtained a golden touch and subsequently gained great wealth. Surely we have all heard of the slogan “Just the Midas touch” belonging to the car repair company Midas. The name Midas encourages consumers to use Midas car repair.  Regardless of what is wrong with the car the Midas workers have a “golden touch” and will be able to fix it.

NIKE – Nike was the Greek winged goddess of victory.  A common brand of sports clothing, that we most likely all own, is named Nike.  By naming the company Nike consumers are prompted to purchase the product as it is associated with victory.

PANDORA -   In Greek mythology Pandora was the first woman Zeus created.  Zeus gave Pandora a box filled with mystery with the order to never open it. When she opened the box all evil was released into the world, although the counterpart, hope remained present.  The jewelry company Pandora has chosen this namesake as it suggests great beauty and an idea of temptation.

PHOENIX -   In numerous cultures, including Greek mythology, the Phoenix bird lives to a ripe old age and is reborn.  By naming a company, sports team or space ship phoenix it suggests that they have been reborn.  The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team in Arizona, they have changed the team numerous times, suggesting a rebirth, hence the name Phoenix. NASA has named its Mars Lander Phoenix, as the current Lander was created after the deaths or failures of many other Lander projects.  The new Mars Lander, Phoenix was re born.  A little closer to home, in Sherwood Park a club soccer team named Phoenix F.C. exists. The previous Sherwood Park soccer club, the Rangers, ceased to exist and from its remains a new club, Phoenix F.C, was created.     

VENUS - Venus is the roman name for the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Numerous beauty products are named Venus, such as Venus razors, face wash, make up and many others. The name Venus bears a positive connotation to beauty which every woman years to have.   

Me and the goddess Nike at Ephesus, Turkey

The names of the mythological gods and goddesses affect our decisions as consumers: which sounds better buying a house cleaner named “Sally” (an average person) or a cleaner named “Ajax” (a strong victorious hero)?

What are some companies you know that have names derived from Greek mythology? What do those names mean?  After thousands of years why do the Greek gods still influence us?